Community

Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free

Wednesday7:00 pm
to

Kevin Johnson, an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit, returns to Groton Public Library at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 to present “Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free.” Jordan Freeman, a native of Old Lyme, was an African-American servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Col. William Ledyard in the Revolutionary War. Although he did not enlist himself, he witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Col. Ledyard. Historians estimate the number of black soldiers in this war to have been about 5,000 men, serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities, including nearly 500 from Connecticut. Some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service.Johnson’s presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford. In addition to portraying Jordan Freeman, Johnson has enacted as William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for more than 14 years. This free presentation is appropriate for families.